Chevrolet auctioning the first 2014 COPO Camaro and Z/28 at Barrett-Jackson

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 has garnered a lot of interest ever since it was announced the spring of 2013. Its performance at Nürburgring raised some more eyebrows, which evolved into furrowed brows once the price was announced a few weeks ago. Despite the eye-opening window sticker, Chevrolet will likely sell every one being built. If you want the very first one, you’ll have your chance at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction on Saturday, January 18.

The Z/28 reached back to its roots and turned the knob to 11 to create kind of car that can be driven to the track, raced, then driven home. Back in October 2013 when HOT ROD showed you this video at Nürburgring, the Z/28 logged a 7:37.40 lap, which is four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1. We’ve already mentioned that it is faster than such heavy company as the Porsche Carrera S and Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, which is somewhat incredible when you consider the Porsche is hundreds of pounds lighter and the Lambo is, well, a V-12 supercar. The Z/28’s hand-built 505hp 7.0L LS7 may not be as powerful as the ZL1’s, but the Z/28 can pull up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration with the help of huge tires, spoilers. and other exterior elements.

But the first production Z/28 is not the only special Camaro being auctioned – you know the COPO Camaro, right? That's the dedicated NHRA Stock Eliminator drag car only available to professional drag racers, but you can have the first 2014 built if you step up to the plate and have the winning bid at Scottsdale on Friday, January 17. This one will be in a one-off Ice Blue Metallic satin paint.

Like in the past two years (plus 1969, of course), only 69 COPO Camaros will be built, but for 2014 there will be a pair of new engines from which to choose: a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 , and a brand-new 350ci motor with a 2.9L Whipple screw-type supercharger. If either of them don’t interest you, there are also naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines available.

What makes the ’14 a bit more unique is its revised styling from the recent facelift. Also worth noting are new racing seats, updated striping, and a new, optional wheel design. If you think you have the credentials to buy one of these factory-built race cars, sign up for the COPO Camaro mailing list at Chevroletperformance.com.

Or just be the high bidder at Barrett-Jackson on January 17 and you’ll own 2014 COPO #001.

Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, says “Chevrolet is excited to offer these two milestone cars for the Barrett-Jackson bidders, with all the proceeds going to help a pair of very worthy groups.”

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If the Z/28 or COPO seems to be a bit rich for your blood, the Chevrolet display in Scottsdale will showcase performance-enhancing parts that can be added to other regular-production Camaros. They include COPO Camaro drag-racing components and street- and track-level components for Camaro V-6 and SS models, including 1LE suspension and ZL1 brake upgrades. The parts are available through the Chevrolet Performance catalog, available from Chevrolet dealers or downloadable for free at chevrolet.com/performance.

The money from the sale of the Z/28 will benefit Detroit’s Cornerstone Schools, lauded as a model in urban education with a 95-percent graduation rate and 91 percent of graduates pursuing higher learning; the sale the COPO will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, who are dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families. National Geographic Channel will broadcast the auction.